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Brick contractors, not only in Tulsa, OK, but all around the world would agree that masonry work is a type of construction that is lauded in its beauty and stability. Masonry these days have evolved from the masonry we knew back in ancient times. Nowadays, the technicalities that come with masonry cannot be denied. But for readers like you, it all boils down to business: What’s the better choice? And so we’re providing you with the pros and cons of two of the basic types of constructing masonry brick walls, so you can have a better grasp of what type of application is better suited for your home.
The two basic types of constructing masonry brick walls to be tackled are solid masonry and veneer masonry. Let’s learn more about both types and see which one fits your preference and needs.
SOLID MASONRY
What is Solid Masonry?
Solid masonry consists of an outer layer of either brick or stone and an inner layer of the same or different material. These layers are commonly known as the “Wythe” in the masonry sphere. The way by which solid masonry is constructed is similar to the Lego blocks your child plays with, stacked together in an upward fashion. It is important to take note that the purpose of the construction is not merely aesthetic; rather, it also serves as a supporting constitution of the entire wall structure.
Solid Masonry Pros
On-site construction
Veneer masonry materials, such as sheathing, need to be manufactured before they can be utilized for modern home construction. Solid masonry, on the other hand, can be constructed without the need for other materials aside from bricks, or cinder blocks and concrete for the inner wythe.
Durability
As compared to veneer masonry, solid masonry provides structural integrity. There are numerous accounts of solid masonry-based buildings that are able to withstand earthquakes and fires. So if you’re looking to hire brick contractors for you Tulsa, OK home, you might want to consider what solid masonry can do in terms of structural integrity.
Solid Masonry Cons
Limits for insulation
Though solid masonry aids in natural insulation, there is only so much that it can retain. Because there are little to no gaps between the layers, there is limited space to place insulators within the wall or surface.
Costly
Solid masonry is considered to be an expensive type of construction. One has to consider the effort and skill it takes for a professional contractor to do the job. Plus, you have to spend more on materials such as brick or stone, since you will be using these for not just one layer of the wall. While bricks are one of the best materials which are used in wall construction, be mindful that opting for Solid Masonry can still cost a significant amount as compared to other techniques. With that said, this type of construction may not be ideal for homeowners who have limited budgets.
VENEER MASONRY
What is Veneer Masonry?
Veneer masonry uses the same application of surface development, using stone or brick layered together to form a structure. The difference of veneer masonry is that, in the essence of wall construction, the stone or brick only serves as the sidings. Unlike solid masonry in which the construction of the wall will serve both as a facade and a supporting structure, in veneer masonry, it will serve as an independent entity from the actual wall of the house and not as a frame of the house itself. Think of it as siding. Its purpose is to add an outer layer to the house’s frame.
Veneer Masonry Pros
Cost-efficient
As stated before, it’s basically a siding so all the contractor would need is enough material to layer the surface of your home. The stone or brick you use is already cut from the whole block, meaning you are only spending for the portion of the stone.
Insulation
Veneer materials are being rated based on their ability to resist heat. This is what is known as the R-value. Take note that the higher the R-value, the greater is the insulating effectiveness of that particular material. With this in mind, veneer construction helps increase R-value because it allows for the installation of insulating sheets on the subsiding, a feature that solid masonry does not provide.
Cons
Installation
Sheathing material, air space, weep holes, sills, and flashings all have to be installed to ensure that the brick veneer would not succumb to moisture or crumble down. Because of this, it is better left to the professionals. There’s also the fact that as compared to solid masonry builders, there are significantly fewer professionals who can do veneer work.
No Add-ons
Taking from what has been mentioned above, a veneer is a siding. It does not replace an existing wall frame; rather, it’s just covering the existing top layer of a wall. Sidings like that of veneer work only add a touch of beauty to the surface of a wall. So if you’re looking to make your wall more structurally sound, veneer masonry will not provide you with what you seek.
In conclusion, both types of masonry have their pros and cons, if you’re opting for maximum durability, solid masonry is definitely the way to go, but if you’re leaning towards aesthetics, veneer masonry is the viable option for you. Just remember not to rush your decisions. Other critical factors your house might need may not be met if you choose either of the two.
Whatever option you choose, we at Brick 1 Masonry provide excellent masonry solutions for your home. We are the premier source for brickwork and masonry repair in Tulsa. If you are in need of a new facelift for your home, whether it be stucco application, brickwork, or masonry work for your private residence, give us a call and let’s talk about how we can help you improve your home. We do all kinds of masonry work that’s perfect for your home. All it takes is for you to pick up that phone and contact us. Remember that choosing one can have both its pros and cons, but with the proper installation, they will definitely serve their purpose well.
